How to Pass the Nursing and Midwifery Introductory Exams in Nigeria: Study Tips and Preparation Guide

Passing the Nursing and Midwifery introductory examination in Nigeria requires proper preparation, a good understanding of basic science subjects and the ability to answer questions accurately under examination conditions. For many students, the introductory examination is one of the first academic challenges they face after gaining admission into a school or college of nursing and midwifery.

The examination can seem difficult, especially for candidates who are adjusting to a new learning environment, unfamiliar medical terms and a demanding academic schedule. However, with a realistic study timetable, regular practice and a clear understanding of the subjects to prepare for, you can improve your chances of passing.

One important point to understand is that introductory examinations are not necessarily the same across all nursing and midwifery institutions in Nigeria. Some schools conduct internal examinations to assess students’ readiness or understanding of foundational subjects, while the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) conducts professional qualifying examinations at the appropriate stages of training.

This guide explains how to prepare for your introductory examination, the subjects to revise, how to use past questions, common mistakes to avoid and practical strategies for performing well.

What Is the Nursing and Midwifery Introductory Examination?

The Nursing and Midwifery introductory examination generally refers to an initial assessment used by a training institution to evaluate candidates’ knowledge of foundational subjects or their readiness for nursing or midwifery training.

The exact meaning, syllabus and examination format depend on the institution. Candidates should therefore obtain the examination instructions from their school instead of assuming that every nursing school uses the same questions or assessment structure.

An introductory examination may assess knowledge in areas such as:

• English Language and comprehension.
• Biology and basic human anatomy.
• Chemistry and basic scientific principles.
• Physics and elementary calculations.
• Mathematics and quantitative reasoning.
• General knowledge and health-related awareness.
• Basic nursing or midwifery concepts, where included in the school’s syllabus.

Not every school will test all these subjects. Use this list as a starting point and prioritise the subjects stated in your school’s examination notice.

1. Understand the Examination Format Before Studying

One of the most effective ways to prepare is to find out exactly what your examination will cover.

Some candidates begin reading every nursing textbook they can find without first checking the examination instructions. This can waste time because introductory examinations may focus on secondary-school science, English, mathematics or selected foundational nursing concepts.

Before creating your study timetable, ask your school or examination coordinator the following questions:

• Which subjects will be examined?
• Will the examination consist of multiple-choice questions, written answers or both?
• How much time will candidates have?
• Are past questions or a recommended syllabus available?
• Will the examination include practical or oral assessment?
• What identification or examination materials must candidates bring?

If your school provides an official syllabus or examination guide, use it as your main reference. Do not depend entirely on a syllabus shared anonymously on social media.

Understanding the format helps you focus on relevant topics and practise answering questions in the way the examination requires.

2. Concentrate on Biology and Basic Human Anatomy

Biology is an important subject to revise when preparing for nursing and midwifery training. It introduces concepts about living organisms, body systems, cells, reproduction and human health.

Although the exact syllabus depends on your school, the following areas are useful starting points.

Important Biology Topics to Study

Cell biology: Understand the structure and functions of cells, including the nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm and mitochondria.

Human body systems: Revise the basic functions of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, urinary and skeletal systems.

Blood and circulation: Understand the major components of blood, the function of the heart and the basic pathway of blood circulation.

Respiration: Study the organs involved in breathing, gas exchange and the difference between breathing and cellular respiration.

Reproduction: Revise the male and female reproductive systems, fertilisation and basic human reproductive biology.

Nutrition: Understand carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water and their roles in the body.

Microorganisms and disease: Learn the differences between bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, along with basic disease transmission and prevention.

How to Study Biology Effectively

Do not rely on memorising isolated definitions. Try to understand how each body system works and how its parts relate to one another.

For example, when studying the circulatory system, learn the functions of the heart, blood and blood vessels. Practise explaining the pathway of blood through the heart rather than memorising a single sentence.

Draw simple diagrams and label them from memory. This method can help you recall information during the examination.

3. Revise Chemistry and Basic Scientific Principles

Chemistry may form part of the introductory examination, depending on your institution’s syllabus. It is useful for understanding substances, chemical reactions and scientific principles that support later health-related studies.

Prioritise the following topics if they are included in your examination guide:

• Elements, compounds and mixtures.
• Atoms, molecules and basic atomic structure.
• The periodic table and common elements.
• Acids, bases and salts.
• Chemical reactions and simple equations.
• Solutions and concentration basics.
• States of matter.
• Laboratory safety and basic scientific procedures.

Practise simple questions rather than only reading notes. For example, learn how to identify an acid or base from a given description and how to distinguish an element from a compound.

If you struggle with calculations, revise the underlying mathematical operations before moving to more complex chemistry questions.

4. Prepare for English Language and Comprehension

English Language is important because nursing students must understand instructions, communicate clearly and interpret written information accurately.

An introductory examination may include grammar, vocabulary, comprehension or sentence completion. Check your school’s syllabus to determine the areas to prioritise.

English Language Topics to Revise

• Parts of speech.
• Tenses and subject-verb agreement.
• Sentence construction.
• Synonyms and antonyms.
• Vocabulary and word meaning.
• Punctuation.
• Comprehension passages.
• Correct use of prepositions and conjunctions.

How to Improve Your English Score

Read a short passage every day and answer questions based on its meaning. Practise identifying the main idea, supporting details and conclusions.

When answering multiple-choice grammar questions, read the entire sentence before selecting an option. A word may look correct in isolation but be unsuitable in the context of the sentence.

You should also practise eliminating incorrect options. If two answers seem similar, compare their meaning and grammatical function carefully.

5. Practise Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Basic mathematics can be challenging for candidates who have not practised regularly. The good news is that many foundational calculations become easier when you understand the method and practise consistently.

Topics to revise may include:

• Fractions and decimals.
• Percentages.
• Ratios and proportions.
• Simple algebra.
• Averages.
• Basic measurements and unit conversions.
• Word problems.
• Elementary statistics, where included.

For example, practise converting fractions to percentages, calculating averages and solving simple ratio questions.

Do not spend all your study time reading worked examples. Solve questions independently, check your answers and repeat the ones you get wrong.

If the examination includes scientific calculations, make sure you understand the units involved and show your working when the format requires it.

6. Learn Basic Nursing and Midwifery Concepts Where Required

Some introductory assessments may include basic healthcare knowledge or an introduction to nursing and midwifery. Others may focus mainly on science and general subjects.

If your school includes introductory nursing concepts, revise the following areas:

• The meaning and purpose of nursing.
• The roles and responsibilities of nurses.
• The importance of patient dignity and privacy.
• Communication with patients.
• Personal hygiene and infection prevention.
• Hand hygiene and basic cleanliness.
• Patient safety.
• Teamwork in healthcare.
• The role of midwives in maternal and newborn care.
• Professional behaviour and confidentiality.

Study these topics at an introductory level unless your institution provides a more advanced syllabus.

For instance, understand why hand hygiene is important in preventing the spread of infection. Also learn why healthcare workers must protect patient information and communicate respectfully.

Do not confuse basic introductory knowledge with the authority to carry out clinical procedures. Practical nursing and midwifery activities must be learned through approved training and supervised instruction.

7. Use Past Questions and Practice Tests Properly

Past questions can help you understand the style of an examination, identify areas that need improvement and practise working within a time limit.

However, candidates should use genuine past questions from their school or reliable educational sources. A collection labelled “Nursing Introductory Exam Questions” online may not reflect the current syllabus of your institution.

Where to Find Useful Practice Questions

You can ask your school for approved past questions or recommended revision materials. You may also use standard secondary-school textbooks, science revision guides and reputable educational resources that cover the topics listed in your syllabus.

When using past questions, follow these steps:

1. Attempt the questions without looking at the answers.
2. Mark your responses using a reliable answer key.
3. Record the questions you answered incorrectly.
4. Identify the topic behind each mistake.
5. Revise the topic from your textbook or notes.
6. Attempt similar questions again.
7. Repeat the exercise under timed conditions.

The purpose is not simply to memorise answers. It is to understand why an answer is correct and why the other options are incorrect.

How Many Practice Questions Should You Solve Daily?

Choose a target you can maintain consistently. For example, you could start with 20 to 30 questions daily and gradually increase the number as your confidence improves.

Accuracy matters more than completing hundreds of questions without reviewing your mistakes.

8. Create a Realistic Study Timetable

A study timetable helps you distribute your preparation across the subjects you need to cover. Without a plan, it is easy to spend too much time on a subject you already understand while neglecting a difficult one.

Begin by listing the subjects in your school’s examination guide. Estimate your confidence level in each subject and allocate more revision time to areas where you need improvement.

Here is a sample seven-day revision timetable you can adapt to your schedule.

This timetable is a sample, not an official COHESKAT, NMCN or nursing-school examination syllabus. Adjust it according to the subjects your school has specified.

How Long Should You Study Each Day?

Consistency is more useful than exhausting yourself with long, irregular study sessions.

You could begin with two to four focused hours daily if your schedule allows, dividing the time into shorter sessions with breaks. Candidates with less time before the examination can prioritise the most important syllabus areas and complete timed practice tests.

Avoid sacrificing all your sleep to study. Adequate rest helps concentration, memory and decision-making.

9. Practise Answering Multiple-Choice Questions

If your introductory examination uses multiple-choice questions, your answering technique can affect your result.

Use the following approach:

Read the question carefully. Pay attention to words such as “not”, “except”, “most appropriate” and “best”. Missing one of these words can change the meaning of the question.

Identify what the question is testing. Decide whether it asks for a definition, function, cause, sequence or application of knowledge.

Try to answer before reading all the options. If you know the answer, use that knowledge to assess the choices.

Eliminate clearly incorrect options. Removing unsuitable answers can improve your chances when you are uncertain.

Manage your time. Do not spend too long on a single question. If the examination rules permit, move to the next question and return later.

Review your answers. If you finish early, check unanswered questions and look for mistakes caused by misreading.

Do not change an answer merely because you feel uncertain. Change it when you identify a clear reason why another option is better.

10. Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Affect Your Result

Some candidates understand the subjects but lose marks because of poor preparation habits or examination mistakes.

Depending Only on Past Questions

Past questions are helpful, but they do not guarantee that the same questions will appear. Study the underlying concepts and use practice questions to test your understanding.

Reading Without Testing Yourself

Reading notes repeatedly can create a false sense of confidence. Close the book and explain what you have learned from memory. Then answer questions without looking at your notes.

Ignoring Difficult Subjects

Avoiding a subject because it seems difficult can leave major gaps in your preparation. Break difficult topics into smaller parts and practise them regularly.

Studying Without a Plan

Random reading makes it harder to measure progress. Use a timetable and review the topics you have completed.

Staying Awake All Night Before the Examination

Last-minute revision may be useful for reviewing key points, but an all-night study session can leave you tired and less focused. Aim to sleep adequately before the examination.

Trusting Unverified Examination Leaks

Be cautious about messages promising guaranteed questions or leaked examination papers. Such material may be false, outdated or associated with scams. Use legitimate learning resources and follow your institution’s examination rules.

11. What to Do One Day Before the Examination

The day before your examination should focus on preparation and confidence rather than attempting to learn every subject from the beginning.

Use the following checklist:

• Review the most important topics in your syllabus.
• Revisit questions you previously answered incorrectly.
• Read through your summaries and diagrams.
• Prepare any identification or examination documents required.
• Confirm your examination venue and reporting time.
• Arrange your transport so you can arrive early.
• Prepare permitted writing materials.
• Eat normally and drink enough water.
• Get sufficient sleep.

Avoid spending the entire night trying to memorise large amounts of information. A calm, organised approach is more useful than panic-driven revision.

12. What to Do on Examination Day

Arrive at the venue early and follow the instructions given by the invigilators.

Before starting, listen carefully to the examination rules. Confirm how to record answers, whether rough work is permitted and what to do if you encounter a problem.

During the examination:

1. Read all instructions before answering.
2. Check the number of questions and available time.
3. Begin with questions you can answer confidently.
4. Read every question before selecting an option.
5. Keep track of your time.
6. Return to difficult questions when appropriate.
7. Review your answers if time permits.
8. Avoid any activity prohibited by the examination rules.

If you do not know an answer immediately, remain calm. Use your understanding of the topic to eliminate incorrect options and make the best choice you can.

13. What Happens If You Do Not Pass the Introductory Examination?

The consequences depend on the institution and the specific examination. Some schools may allow a resit, provide remedial support or apply other academic procedures. Others may have different progression requirements.

Do not assume that every school follows the same policy.

If you do not pass, contact your school for the official result interpretation and available options. Review your performance to identify whether the main difficulty was a lack of subject knowledge, poor time management or examination anxiety.

Use that information to create a more targeted revision plan before attempting another assessment.

14. Understand the Difference Between an Introductory Exam and the NMCN Professional Qualifying Examination

Candidates should understand that an institution’s introductory examination is not automatically the same as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s professional qualifying examination.

The NMCN is the regulatory body responsible for important aspects of nursing and midwifery education, examinations, registration and professional licensing in Nigeria. Its official examination division describes its responsibility for final qualifying examinations for general nurses, midwives and post-basic nursing candidates.

The Council also operates an indexing process for nursing and midwifery students. Indexing records students in the Council’s database and helps establish their eligibility for the relevant training programme and examinations.

For this reason, candidates should confirm the name of their examination, its purpose and its syllabus with their institution. A school-based introductory test may have different content and consequences from a professional qualifying examination.

For official information about approved entry requirements and nursing or midwifery training, visit the NMCN requirements page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects should I read for the Nursing and Midwifery introductory examination in Nigeria?

Start with the subjects specified by your institution. Biology, Chemistry, English Language and Mathematics are useful areas to revise where included in the syllabus. Some schools may also assess Physics, general knowledge or introductory nursing concepts.

How can I pass the nursing introductory exam on my first attempt?

Obtain the syllabus, create a realistic study timetable, revise foundational subjects, practise questions regularly and review your mistakes. Use timed tests to improve accuracy and speed.

Are past questions enough to pass the nursing introductory examination?

No. Past questions can help you understand question styles, but they should be combined with textbooks, class notes and topic-based revision. The questions in a future examination may differ from those used previously.

Is the nursing introductory examination the same as the NMCN examination?

Not necessarily. An introductory examination may be organised by a training institution, while NMCN conducts professional qualifying examinations at the appropriate stage of training. Confirm the exact examination with your school.

Can I pass the examination if I am weak in Biology?

Yes, you can improve your Biology performance through focused revision and practice. Start with foundational topics such as cells, body systems, nutrition and reproduction, then work through questions on each topic.

How many hours should I study daily?

There is no single required number of hours for every candidate. Choose a schedule you can maintain, focus on the syllabus and take breaks. Two to four focused hours can be a useful starting point for some students, depending on their available time and current level of preparation.

What should I do if I do not understand a topic?

Consult your class notes or textbook, ask a lecturer or qualified tutor for clarification and practise simpler questions before moving to more difficult ones. Avoid memorising an explanation you do not understand.

Where can I get the official nursing and midwifery examination requirements?

Visit the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s official website and consult your institution for the specific syllabus and instructions for your introductory examination.

Conclusion

Passing the Nursing and Midwifery introductory examination in Nigeria starts with understanding what your school expects you to know. Once you have the correct syllabus, organise your study time, revise the relevant science and language subjects, practise questions and regularly review your mistakes.

Do not rely exclusively on past questions or attempt to memorise every topic without understanding it. Focus on the fundamentals, develop good time-management habits and maintain a healthy routine before examination day.

Most importantly, confirm the examination format and requirements with your institution because introductory examinations vary across schools. With consistent preparation and the right study strategy, you can approach your examination with greater confidence and improve your chances of success.